Artwork
Portrait of Catherine II (copy)
Portrait of Catherine II (copy) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Fyodor Rokotov. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting is a portrait of Catherine II, created by Fyodor Rokotov in 1790. It is held in the State Hermitage Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is depicted standing on a red carpet, wearing a silver-and-purple gown and a crown, with one hand on her hip and the other holding a fan, signifying her imperial status.
Technique & Style
The painting employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and dark to emphasize the subject against the background. The Rococo style is evident in the attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of the shimmering fabric of her dress.
History & Provenance
Fyodor Rokotov, born into serfdom in 1736, studied at the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts and later gained his freedom to become a prominent portraitist of Russian high society.
Artist & collection
Artist
Fyodor Stepanovich Rokotov (Fedor Rokotov) (Russian: Фёдор Степа́нович Ро́котов; 1736 – December 24, 1808) was a Russian painter who specialized in portraits.
